REPORT: Melbourne City FC 1-2 Adelaide United

Melbourne City FC succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Adelaide United in Harvey Norman Friday Night Football at AAMI Park in Round 4 of the Hyundai A-League.

After a fast-paced start, Melbourne City FC captain Patrick Kisnorbo gave the home side an early lead with a fantastic near post header from a dangerous Damien Duff corner from the right.

But Brue Djite pegged a goal back for the visitors heading in a great cross from the right from Awer Mabil, before a late penalty – dispatched by Marcelo Carrusca – gave Adelaide all three points.

The home side was on top of the contest early and nearly pinched the lead as early as the sixth minute.

David Villa cut in on the left side, executed a quick step over and then chipped a left-footed cross to the back post where Damien Duff connected well on the volley and Eugene Galekovic tipped onto the upright.

Just three minutes later, Melbourne City FC took the ascendancy. Duff’s wicked in-swinging corner from the right was headed home by Kisnorbo giving John van’t Schip’s side the advantage.

Villa looked lively early and he went closest to Melbourne City FC’s second in the 21st minute. Dugandzic fed Villa who wriggled his way into the Adelaide United’s box and struck a low shot across the ground and Galekovic produced a great save.

van’t Schip opted to start Jonatan Germano in left back, but the Argentinean was forced off through injury after 27 minutes, with young Adelaide-born utility Ben Garuccio called into replace the outgoing left-back.

It was not long after that Adelaide began to work their dominance in possession into chances and found the back of the net in the 38th minute. A well-hit cross from Tarek Elrich needed Djite to give the ball direction as his headed effort found the back of the net.

Again, Melbourne City FC would head into half-time level, and came out in the second half on the front foot.

David Williams’ entry into the match almost paid dividends for Melbourne City FC as the striker sprayed the follow up from an individual effort from Villa that saw the Spaniard almost do it all himself.

Unfortunately for Melbourne City FC, a turnover in the middle of the park saw the Reds break and Bruce Kamau was through one-on-one with Andrew Redmayne. The young striker beat the custodian in the contests and the ‘keeper had little else to do than to foul the substitute.

In turn, Redmayne was yellow carded for his foul and had to face a thunderbolt penalty from Carrusca that beat his outstretched hand.

Melbourne City FC will look to bounce back against the Brisbane Roar next Saturday night in a clash that could put both sides’ seasons back on track.